The Desert Fox is a compact, self-contained spiral gold panning machine designed for fast concentrate cleanup and efficient fine-gold recovery. Built for real-world prospecting, it is lightweight, field-ready, and easy to set up at home, in the shop, or in the field.
Weighing about 10 pounds, the Desert Fox packs neatly into its included Action Packer, which also serves as the recirculating water reservoir. The 12.5" wheel uses seven spiral leads to repeatedly pick up gold and direct it into the collection cup, while adjustable wheel pitch and water flow let you fine-tune the machine for different concentrates.
The Desert Fox can process up to 70 pounds of concentrates per hour while using only 3–4 gallons of recirculating water, making it especially useful where water is limited. It operates on 12V DC power and is available in both constant-speed and variable-speed versions.
Why Choose the Desert Fox
- Compact, field-ready design
- Approx. 10 lb. total weight
- 12.5" seven-lead spiral wheel
- Processes up to 70 lb. of concentrates per hour
- Uses only 3–4 gallons of recirculating water
- Adjustable wheel pitch and water flow
- Excellent for fine-gold and flour-gold recovery
- 12V DC operation
- Available in constant-speed and variable-speed models
- Packs into its included Action Packer for transport and storage
Constant Speed or Variable Speed
Constant Speed provides straightforward operation at a preset wheel speed and is a good choice for prospectors who want a simple, proven setup.
Variable Speed adds adjustable wheel speed, giving you another way to fine-tune the machine for different concentrates and recovery conditions.
12V battery is not included.
Built by Camel Mining Products
The Desert Fox is manufactured by Camel Mining Products, a longtime maker of gold prospecting equipment with roots dating back to 1969. The Desert Fox has been used by prospectors for decades as a compact solution for processing concentrates and recovering fine gold.
Each Desert Fox includes a 5-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Specifications
- Height: 20"
- Width: 14.5"
- Length: 20"
- Weight: approx. 10 lb.
- Wheel diameter: 12.5"
- Power required: 12V DC
- Battery: not included
- Water required: 3–4 gallons
- Pump capacity: 450 GPH
- Action Packer size: 20" × 16" × 12"
Click to View Setup Instructions & Recovery Tips
Setup Instructions:
- For best results, screen concentrates to approximately 10 mesh before processing.
- Start with the wheel positioned at about a 30 to 45 degree angle.
- Fill the Action Packer with enough water to cover the pump.
- Adjust the spray bar for an even flow of water across the wheel.
- Begin feeding concentrates gradually once the wheel and water are running.
Recovery Tips:
- If black sand is entering the center hole, increase the wheel angle slightly.
- If black sand remains too far down the face of the wheel, reduce the wheel angle slightly.
- Adjust water flow and wheel angle as needed for different concentrates.
- For muddy material, pre-washing the concentrates can help keep the recirculating water and spray system cleaner.
- If very fine gold tends to float, add a small amount of a non-sudsing wetting agent such as Jet-Dry to the water. Avoid regular soaps or detergents.
- On the variable-speed model, wheel speed can also be adjusted for additional control.
